I haven't been posting here in a while, but I had to come back to post a tribute to one of my first and favorite fashion designers/icons. I was so sad to learn of Kate Spade's death. When I joined YLF in 2011, I was wearing either fleece, mom jeans and Mocs, or maternity clothes even though I had given birth 1.5 years prior, just because I didn't have anything that was up to date. One of the first designer purchases I made was this Kate Spade polka dot dress, and it transformed how I looked at myself. I developed more confidence, revamped my wardrobe and even developed a new style persona (Demure Bombshell), heavily influenced by Kate Spade. I loved the polished ladylike style with a sense of fun and whimsy. I have a big collection of her novelty purses! Even though my style has gone in a new direction (adding UWP and RATE elements), I still come back to colorful, fun and ladylike as my main style. I am so sad for her family, especially her 13 year old daughter. Even though she seems like she was so successful and had it all and had such a sunny persona, you never know what someone is going through. Personally, I have had at least 5 or 6 people close to me suffer from depression/mental illness, and one family member who had a suicide attempt and a friend who did kill herself. Mental illness is so common and it doesn't discriminate. If you are suffering, please reach out for help. It is treatable, even if it is a long and hard road. If you aren't dealing with those issues, someone you know is, even if you aren't aware of it. Please reach out to those who might need help. Ask how they are doing and listen.
All my love,
Goldenpig (Natalie)

Nice tribute! I like the matching color of white polka dots on a black dress. You look gorgeous.

Suz replied 2 months ago

What a beautiful and heartfelt tribute, Natalie. Thank you. I certainly agree with everything you've said about mental illness.

And you look amazing in your finery! I'll bet women all over the world are pausing today when they look into their closets and remembering.

Cardiff girl replied 2 months ago

You look totally gorgeous and what wise words.

La Pedestrienne replied 2 months ago

What a lovely tribute.

Angie replied 2 months ago

Stunning tribute.

rachylou replied 2 months ago

Such a nice post and outfit worthy of Kate Spade.

Diana replied 2 months ago

What a lovely and heartfelt tribute. <3

Aida replied 2 months ago

Beautiful in so many ways, Natalie <3

bj1111 replied 2 months ago

Such a beautiful and sensitively expressed sentiment. You look so fab in your tribute to her!

Murph11 replied 2 months ago

When I heard the news, I thought of you. Thank you for posting this lovely very tribute and wise words.

Elizabeth P replied 2 months ago

I thought of you when I heard the news. Great tribute, Natalie!

JAileen replied 2 months ago

Lovely outfit and bag to honor Kate Spade.

The father of a very close friend of mine committed suicide when she was a child. She is now in her mid 60s and still feels a lot of pain.

Barbara Diane replied 2 months ago

Thanks for your lovely and heartfelt post. Maybe send it to her family?

When I joined YLF I knew about her clothes and wished they came in my size but I was not aware of her iconic purses and I was thrown by yours. Then I learned they were “something”. Then I fell in love with the polar bear /ice clutch.

Then my cousin saw the taxi shoes and was incredulous. I had fun explaining them to her. And I sent her photos of IRL sightings of her exceptional purses.

Jane replied 2 months ago

A lovely tribute. Your Kate Spade items are cute.

Liesbeth replied 2 months ago

Thanks for that beautiful story. You rock your kate spade items, that’s a tribute in itself.

approprio replied 2 months ago

I thought of you when the news broke. When someone in the public eye makes an impact on your life, their passing can feel very personal. It's not like loosing a loved one, but it's a loss all the same.

This is a lovely tribute.

Style Fan replied 2 months ago

What a lovely and touching tribute. I thought of you when I heard the news of Kate Spade. Thank you so much for sharing this.

Lesley replied 2 months ago

This is an amazing tribute! I echo the others that your look is as perfect a tribute as your words. I love it all and would wear it all too. Another tribute to how a "classic" look doesn't age (and that clutch is insanely cute).

Sara L. replied 2 months ago

Lovely words and you look great too. What a fun purse! Your polka dot dress looks so classic on you.

columbine replied 2 months ago

I was so sorry to learn of Kate Spade's death and thought of you, GP. Beautiful tribute! I've been making a commitment to try and reach out to at least one person a day and see how they're doing. I've experienced losing a friend to suicide and never want that to happen again.

Nebraskim replied 2 months ago

I also thought of you when I heard the tragic news. Her influence was widespread. I grieve for the pain she was in and for her family.

So nice to see you Natalie and yes, you are the quintessential Kate Spade girl. Your post is very touching.

Michell replied 2 months ago

Wow! Fabulous dress is that! Hope I can see more of your pictures!

RobinF replied 2 months ago

Wonderful tribute and so true about mental illness. Great dress, really timeless, and looks fab on you.

Mel replied 2 months ago

Beautiful words, Natalie, thank you!

Beth Ann replied 2 months ago

So good to see you, Natalie! And how thoughtful to share both your thoughts and your fabulous Kate-style.

Jjsloane replied 2 months ago

Lovely - thank you for sharing. I associate you with her brand because you always had fun with the whimsical pieces. I have a few items - shoes, watches, jewelry mostly. Wear them well!

MsMary replied 2 months ago

Thank you for this, Natalie! I was also so shocked and saddened by this news.

I have a funny Kate Spade story: My husband has his suits custom made, and one day I was looking at the suit coat he had laid out on the bed, and I said "Wow, I wish I could have my name embroidered inside my clothes like you do!" And he said "You can! Just change your name to Kate Spade!"